A Guide to Buying Tablets
A tablet fills the gap between a laptop computer and a smartphone. With so many tablets on the market, you can easily find one that will fulfill your needs and fit your budget. Check eBay for a wide selection of new, used, and refurbished tablets.
What tablet options are available?
A tablet is a small portable device that has a mobile operating system. It provides connectivity to the internet using a cellular network or Wi-Fi. It uses an LCD touchscreen interface and a virtual keyboard. It is flat, thin, and does not have a lid. Most tablets run via touchscreen, though some Bluetooth accessories like mice and keyboards can be used with them for those who wish.
What should you consider when choosing the right tablet?
As a tablet is essentially a computer, there is a huge host of customization options to choose from. Here are a number of things to consider:
- Screen size - Tablets tend to run between 7 and 12 inches.
- Memory - Onboard memory runs from 8GB and up. It is often in multiples of 8. Additional USB slots, SIM card ports, and other external memory ports can be found on some ports.
- Graphics - High-end graphics like Retina display can be found on some tablets, while others may offer fewer pixels in exchange for a longer battery life.
- Operating system - Common options include Apple's iOS, Google's Android, Linux, and Windows.
- Battery - Battery life can range from hours to days between charges.
Choosing a tablet with changing technologies
The right tablet for each person will depend on a number of different purposes for the end user. Questions to ask yourself should include:
- Purpose - Are you using it to stream, to play games, or to perform computing tasks like word processing?
- Time between charges - How long do you need your laptop to run between charges?
- Operating system - Do you want it to work on the same operating system as a smartphone you already own?
- Bluetooth capabilities - Do you need Bluetooth capabilities to run accessories?
- Screen size - How large do you need the screen to be? Would you rather have a larger screen or a more compact device to slip into a purse?
- Uses - Are kids using the laptop or will it be used for rugged outdoor use? Do you need something stronger or more waterproof?
One final consideration when choosing a tablet is how new and cutting-edge you want the tablet to be. There are different purchase strategies you can consider. Some will want to buy the newest technology at all times. Others may choose a middle road between newness and price. Others still, especially those with simple computing needs, may find that a refurbished or used computer meets a price point they like and has everything they need to run simple programs. The best tablet for you will be able to complete the tasks you need to do reliably. eBay offers a wide selection of tablets that will do just that.
Smart shopping with eBay Refurbished
eBay Refurbished is your budget-stretching secret weapon. eBay offers the best value on the biggest selection of refurbished products from exceptional sellers with warranties as good as or superior to what's offered on brand-new products. Because everyone should be empowered to get the exact products they want in the right condition at the right price so their dollars go further.
- Certified Refurbished: The item is in pristine, like-new condition, backed by a two-year warranty. It has been professionally inspected, cleaned, and refurbished by the manufacturer or a manufacturer-approved vendor to meet manufacturer specifications. The item will be in new packaging with original or new accessories.
- Excellent Refurbished: The item is in like-new condition, backed by a one year warranty. It has been professionally refurbished, inspected and cleaned to excellent condition by qualified sellers. The item includes original or new accessories and will come in new generic packaging.
- Very Good Refurbished: The item shows minimal wear and is backed by a one year warranty. It is fully functional and has been professionally refurbished, inspected and cleaned to very good condition by qualified sellers. The item includes original or new accessories and will come in new generic packaging.
- Good Refurbished: The item shows moderate wear and is backed by a one year warranty. It is fully functional and has been professionally refurbished, inspected and cleaned to good condition by qualified sellers. The item includes original or new accessories and will come in a new generic packaging.
Industry-leading Warranty and 30 day returns Included in Every Purchase
eBay has partnered with Allstate to include an award winning warranty in every box. So you're covered in the event your item breaks or malfunctions. Learn more about eBay refurbished warranty coverage.
eBay Refurbished items can be returned or replaced for free within 30 days of receiving them. Only a select group of eBay sellers can participate in the program, and we monitor their performance to ensure they live up to the highest standards of customer service. Learn more about the perks of shopping eBay Refurbished.
Returns Made Simple How It Works
- Start your return: In My eBay, find the item under Purchase history, then in More actions, choose Return this item.
- Select your reason: Depending on the seller's return policy, we may put you in touch with them directly.
- Ship it back: You'll be issued a packing slip and shipping label. Pack the item and ship it.
Quick Tips:
- Check the listing's return policy before making your purchase.
- Be sure to note shipping deadlines and whether an item can be returned for refund, replacement, or exchange.
- Return the item in the same condition you received it in -- pack it well. Learn more about the item condition policy
- We work hard to make returns smooth. For those rare cases when they don't go that way, the eBay Money Back Guarantee may help. Get the item you ordered or your money back--guaranteed.
eBay Money Back Guarantee
Whatever you're buying--large or small--eBay offers many ways to ensure you get exactly what you want.
Get the item you ordered or your money back--it's that simple. Our eBay Money Back Guarantee applies to virtually everything on our site, and there's no extra fee for coverage. It's automatic and covers your purchase price plus original shipping on eligible purchases*.
Follow these steps to get your refund:
- Contact Your Seller If an item hasn't arrived or isn't as described, go to My eBay, select the item in your purchase history, and reach out to your seller.
- Not resolved? Let us know. If you've talked to your seller and the issue still isn't resolved after three business days, contact us.
- We'll get your money back. Fast. You can count on hearing from us within 48 hours.
*Item exclusions apply. For full terms and conditions, read our eBay Money Back Guarantee policy.